Expert help!

[IDchicken]

Hello, everyone!

New member here and looking forward to any help you folks can offer.

We’ve had a host of chickens over the last few years, but never had prolific laying like others mention having in spite of breeds that are “good layers”. We will go WEEKS without an egg from a flock of 4. This makes me feel like it’s something we’re doing wrong rather than the chickens themselves.

They do have plenty of food (pellets from a local farm store), fresh water, minimal table scraps, etc. I’m wondering if it has something to do with our laying set up itself. I’ve attached some pictures to get your thoughts.

Would a separate box outside the shelter help? Raising the whole shelter up? Other thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Kyle

 

[ChickenCanoe]

How old are they?
What breeds are they?
Is that raised section of the roof closed at night? When do you open it?
The amount of light each day is the most critical for ovulation. They may need an east facing window to lengthen the day.
If nutrition and light are proper, they will lay eggs - ovulation will occur regardless of setup.
Are the pellets fresh? Always check the mill date. What is the crude protein % of the feed?

 

[IDchicken]

@ChickenCanoe thanks for the reply!

The upper sections of the shelter stay open like that. The largest opening of the roof (the front) faces the East.

the pellets are fresh, to the best of my knowledge. It is a 16% protein mix.

The breeds are a couple of leghorns, an auracana, and a golden sea bright. They’re all about a year and relatively new to us, however, have all laid at least once. However, this has been true of all birds we had.

 

[3KillerBs]

What are the dimensions of your coop and your run and how many chickens are in it?

The coop looks very small (though the ventilation is excellent). If they are over-crowded they might be too stressed to lay.

 

[IDchicken]

@3KillerBs

the coop is 36”x 36”x36”.

the run is 84” X 94” (~55 sq. Feet). However, have also had a flock roam freely and this also did not seem to make a huge difference.

We currently have 5 chickens. I’m not an expert, but 2 are small bantams and 3 are even smaller than they are (they lay very small eggs).

I appreciate the help!

 

[aart]

However, have also had a flock roam freely and this also did not seem to make a huge difference.

Time for an exam:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Then, after you get a larger run set up:
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

[IDchicken]

Thanks @aart !

these girls have never freely roamed. They’ve only been here with us three weeks (started their life at a hatchery). They all laid once and now have not laid for 3 weeks. As I mentioned, this has happened with nearly every flock we’ve had. The one exception was our first two birds who laid pretty consistently.

 

[3KillerBs]

the coop is 36”x 36”x36”.

9 square feet divided by 4 square feet per standard size chicken is only 2.25 chickens, so over-crowding may be contributing to the problem here. I'm not knowledgeable enough to say for sure, but crowding causes stress and stress can affect laying.

 

[aart]

Thanks @aart !

these girls have never freely roamed. They’ve only been here with us three weeks (started their life at a hatchery). They all laid once and now have not laid for 3 weeks. As I mentioned, this has happened with nearly every flock we’ve had. The one exception was our first two birds who laid pretty consistently.

Ah, I mis-read the free range part.
Those single eggs you got from each were probably 'in process' before you brought them home.....might have to wait until they are better steeled to see any more eggs.
Agrees that crowding could be an issue.

 

[IDchicken]

I’d always read 2 sq. Feet per chicken, which would mean ours should hold 4 fine (assuming the rule of thumb here is correct).

We do have 5 (hatchery “threw one in” because she was “ugly”- we’re happy to have her!), but they’re all miniature or bantum-size. None are “normal” size hens.

Thank you again for your replies. This has been quite the process and we just want to be sure the girls lay (we love our eggs!) and are happy.

Is it possible they’re still adjusting to their new home after 2-3 weeks?